Carmen Sisters press kit

Whitaker House 1030 Hunt Valley Circle New Kensington, PA 15068 800-444-4484 www.WhitakerHouse.com

Driven to Be Loved (Book 3, The Carmen Sisters)

by Pat Simmons

On the surface, Brecee Carmen has nothing in common

with Adrian Cole. She is a pediatrician certified in

trauma care; he is a transportation problem-solver for a

luxury car dealership (a.k.a., a car salesman). Despite

their slow but steady attraction to each other, neither

one of them is sure that theyre compatible.

To complicate matters, Brecee is the sole unattached

Carmen daughter when it seems as though everyone

else around herfamily and friendsis finding love.

Through a series of discoveries, Adrian and Brecee

learn that things dont always happen by coincidence. Generational forces are at work, keeping promises,

protecting family members, and perhaps even drawing

Adrian back to the church he had strayed from.

Is it possible that God has been playing matchmaker all

along? ISBN: 978-1-62911-568-9; Frontlist; $13.99; September 2015

Fiction | African American | Christian

About the Author

Pat Simmons holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston,

Massachusetts. She has worked in various media positions in radio, television, and print for more

than twenty years. Currently, she oversees the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers

Conventions. She is the author of nine single titles and several eBook novellas. Pat lives with her

husband in St. Louis, Missouri.

WEB MARKETING www.patsimmons.net

whpub.me/carmensisters

For pdf or ePub ARCs, for more information, or to set up an interview with Pat Simmons,

Please contact Cathy Hickling, [email protected], 724-334-7000.


Pat Simmons Carmen Sisters Series tour has included interviews, speaking and book signing events.

Photos: on the set with Robin Boyce, host of City Corner

TV (left); signing books and meeting fans like Air Force

Major Steward at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma

City, OK.

More about the author

Pat Simmons Pat Simmons, author of the Carmen Sisters Series from Whitaker House, is

an award-winning, bestselling Christian romance writer known for her

authentic and topical novels.

A mass communications graduate of Emerson College, Boston, Pat worked

in the news business for over 20 years as writer and editor in the television,

radio, and print media industry.

Beloved by fans for her inspiring and entertaining books and novellas, Pat

is a tireless promoter of the genre, speaking at Christian and mainstream

events on the craft and ministry of Christian romance. She also serves as

publicity coordinator for the annual RT Book Lovers Convention.

Shes a two-time recipient of the Romance Slam Jam Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance for Still Guilty (Urban Christian

2010) and Crowning Glory (Urban 2011). Her 2008 release Talk to Me earned her the Katherine D. Jones Award for Grace and Humility and was among Black Pearls Magazines annual list of Top Books That Changed Lives.

Pat loves to sew and is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth, passionate about

digging up the dirt on her ancestors, she says, casting them in starring roles

in her novels. Ultimately she credits God as Author of her stories and any

kudos and praise she receives go to Him. Pat describes receiving the gift of

the Holy Spirit as an amazing, unforgettable, life-altering experience.

An entertaining, lively and frequent talk show guest, Pat

actively tours the country speaking and signing books at

churches, community centers, libraries, military bases, and

bookstores where God opens the door.

She confesses to converting her sofa-strapped, sports-fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and newly

appointed title of administrative assistant. St. Louis area serves as home base for the couple who are the parents of a son and a daughter.

Pats books include: The Acquittal; The Guilty series: Guilty of Love, Not Guilty, Still Guilty; The

Jamieson Legacy: Guilty by Association, The Guilt Trip, Free from Guilt; Love at the Crossroads;

Stopping Traffic, A Baby for Christmas, The Keepsake, What God Has for Me; Love For The Holidays:

A Christian Christmas, A Christian Easter and A Christian Fathers Day.

For books, press kits, or to schedule an interview,

please contact Cathy Hickling, [email protected], 800-444-4484 x283.


2nd

book in Pat Simmons Carmen Sisters series is off to a great start

In Defense of Love debuts at #2 on BCNN National Bestsellers List Source: http://blackchristiannews.com/bcnn1bcbc-national-bestsellers-list-march-2015/

Bestselling authors, Herbert Cooper (But God: Changes Everything -- Nonfiction) and Vanessa Miller (Heaven on Earth -- Fiction) lead the bestsellers list of Black Christian authors on the March 2015 edition of the Black Christian News/Black Christian Book Company National Bestsellers List. BCNN1.com

has also released the March 2015 edition of the BCNN1/Amazon.com Kindle E-book Bestsellers List. This list ranks African-American Christian e-books based upon their sales rankings in the Amazon Kindle e-book store. Also, BCNN1 is releasing the March 2015 edition of the BCNN1/Barnes & Noble Nook E-book Bestsellers

List. This list ranks African-American Christian e-books based upon their sales rankings in the B&N Nook e-book store.

The BCNN1/BCBC National Bestsellers List is calculated based upon Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com sales rankings. According to Amazon.com, "the Amazon Best Sellers calculation is based on Amazon.com

sales and is updated hourly to reflect recent and historical sales of every item sold on Amazon.com." According to Barnes & Noble, "BarnesandNoble.com ranks books daily based on rolling six months of sales data. Sales ranking will change as new books are added to the database. If there are no sales during a particular

amount of time, or if other titles have more sales, a title can lose its ranking."

Synopsis: Carmen Sisters Series Book 2:

In Defense of Love Lately, nothing in Garrett Nashs life has made sense. When two people close to the U.S. Marshal wrong him deeply, Garrett expects God to remove them

from his life. Instead, the Lord relocates Garrett to another city to start over, as

if he were the offender instead of the victim.

Criminal attorney Shari Carmen is comfortable in her own skinmost of the time. Being a dark and lovely African-American sister has its challenges, especially when it comes to relationships. Although shes a fireball in the courtroom, she knows how to fade into the background and keep the proverbial

spotlight off her personal life. But literal spotlights are a different matter

altogether.

While playing tenor saxophone at an anniversary party, she grabs the attention

of Garrett Nash. And as God draws them closer together, He makes another request of Garrett, one to

which it will prove far more difficult to say Yes, Lord.

In Defense of Love Website: whpub.me/carmensisters

Pat Simmons Website: www.patsimmons.com.


What people are saying aboutIn Defense of Love Author Pat Simmons has done it again. She has written another powerful story that draws you in

from the beginning and keeps your attention until the end. Pat has a way of telling a story that

makes you feel as if you are a part of each character and also prompts you to take an inventory of

your own life. Ellowyn Bell

This book is the sweetest romance crafted to perfection and saturated with Gods love. Tanishia Pearson-Jones,, Characters Book Club

Its the story of our livesthe ups, downs, and emotions of relationships. An exciting read! Andrea Alexander Binion

READER REVIEWS

By Penny McGuire In Defense of Love by Pat Simmons is a well written novel that makes you feel you are actually in the room with the characters. She brings two people together who didn't realize they were looking for love. Garrett had a bad experience, which lead him to relocate. The Lord brought the two together while allowing them to work through problems in their lives. Recommended reading! Will be looking forward to reading more from her!

Well written with deep message By Joyful This Christian romance book is written really well. The characters are strong people. Waiting on God brings true blessings. God loves and forgives as portrayed in this novel. The author has done a great job. I highly recommend this book. I was given a copy for an honest review.

I am in love with Camen Sister Book 2 By Rosaland Smith

Ms. Simmons I use your last name not because of age, bur because of the respect I have for you. I am in love with Camen Sister Book 2. It is so inspiration. It was wonderful seeing a family that literally praying to God and listening for his answers. I love all the love in all the families. I laugh, cried, laugh and was truly inspired..... I loved all you books and I've been waiting for that 5 star one, will here it is.....Gods continued Blessing. People get this book and if you haven't read the first one, that one too.... Kudos

Love lost, Faith, and Redemption By Melody Vernor-Bartel When we trust and believe in God and not man, amazing things can happen! U.S. Deputy Marshal Garrett Nash, whose running away from a bad relationship with a less than godly woman, her devastating betrayal broke not only his heart but his spirit. He felt God telling him to move away to escape the whispers and stares, and start anew. But when a celebration


brings him home, will he be able to get past the memories, or will they continue to haunt him. Accomplished Attorney Sharmaine Carmen, is also a talented musician, faithful woman of God, and painfully single. Shari comes from a family of music. At her church Jesus is the Way Shari plays in the band, and when the band receives an invitation to play at an anniversary party, she meets Garrett. Garrett right away smitten with the chocolate beauty, but will his history stay a mystery, or can he trust God to help him open and heal his heart again? Can the Almighty be the bridge these two need to find the love they so desperately desire? This faith based story was great, containing all the elements to keep you reading. It was very well written and it could be a story that anyone of us could go thru. I love the scriptures you placed, and the history behind the characters with insight on matriarchs. Pat you definitely know how to tell a story! Great job! Source: http://www.amazon.com/In-Defense-Love-Carmen-Sisters/dp/1629112925

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Cathy Hickling, 724-334-7000 x283

Pat Simmons hits first Whitaker House romance out of the park

No Easy Catch number 3 on the May BCNN Bestsellers List The first book in Pat Simmons new Carmen Sisters series for Whitaker House shot to #3 on the Black Christian News (BCNN) National

Bestsellers List for May. I think this is a good indication urban fiction lovers are giving the new Whitaker House romances a big thumbs-up, said Whitaker House President Bob Whitaker Jr. Its good news for readers, too, because each book is the first in a series, so there will be plenty of good reading to

look forward to in the coming months.

Whitaker said the decision to triple the companys African American romance titles this spring was driven by the success of Millers previous books, a desire to serve what he considers to be an underserved fan base

in a growing market, and most of all, to reach souls for Christ.

According to its website: The BCNN1/BCBC National Bestsellers List is calculated based upon Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com sales rankings (www.blackchristiannews.com/bcnn1bcbc-national-bestsellers-list-june-2014).

###


Synopsis Carmen Sisters Series Book 1

No Easy Catch by Pat Simmons TV reporter Shae Carmen hasnt lost her faith in God, only in men, even

those who call themselves Christians. Heartbroken and humiliated after

learning her church-going boyfriend is married a detail hed failed to share -

- she flees Nebraska for a fresh start in St. Louis to work at KMMD TV as a

reporter and weekend anchor.

Its there she hears an exclusive and inspiring interview with star Cardinal

outfielder Rahn Maxwell, unrelated to his phenomenal batting average. Rahn

had been accosted by armed carjackers the previous day and in describing the

ordeal, fervently thanks God for allowing him (and his car) to escape

unscathed. Rahn and Shea meet after the interview and Rahn is immediately

smitten with the beautiful newswoman. It takes Shea a little longer to come

around, and just as she lets her guard down, a major league scandal breaks out that threatens to quench the

budding romance

What people are saying aboutNo Easy Catch (The Carmen Sisters #1) Pat Simmons has once again grabbed you into the life of her characters on their daily journeys to find and

receive the love they deserve. Another riveting novel that I never wanted to put down and couldnt wait to get back to. Who knew St. Louis had such a colorful backdrop to serve as the map to these characters coming together in No Easy Catch?

Robin Boyce Host, STL TVs City Corner

No Easy Catch by Pat Simmons is an excellent read that incorporates Christian concepts without

sacrificing the storyline by being too overbearing. Simmons addresses so many issues faced in todays society, such as family closeness, salvation, romance, betrayal, forgiveness and renewed faith and teaches

the valuable lesson that fame and fortune must take a backseat to love. I highly recommend it and look

forward to the next book in the Carmen Sisters Series.

Ondrea L. Davis, Foresight Literary Lounge

I love Christian Romance novels and Pat Simmons knows how to unlock the imagination and take it on a

quick path of hope, love and Jesus. Youll always find some sort of message in her books just as I have. Tamara Gatling, reader

What I love about Pat Simmons books is they are biblically based! She shows how we, as humans, are in need of healing, deliverance, forgiveness, etc. I really like her approach to the dating scene! Thank you,

Pat, for giving us some good, pure, interesting Christian materials to read! I appreciate you! You and a

handful of other Christian Authors are rare commodities.

Leelee, reader


Reader Reviews .

Game on! By Jersey Girl -- Pat Simmons has knocked it out the park! In this new series, we meet Shae Carmen, God-fearing and strong in her conviction (maybe a little too strong) and Rahn Maxwell, a professional baseball player who has all the right moves. Shae, hurt previously by love, has hardened her heart against men and Rahn is just another professional athlete with no morals or so she thinks. We watch as these two characters go through the ups and downs of a new relationship. We see their faith tested and the aftermath. I look forward to more from this author and series!

By Shavon -- Pat has done it once again for us. This book was filled with God's

love, compassion, and forgiveness. Great romance book. I had to laugh every time I read the word swagger. This book is a must read!! Can't wait to read Shari's story.

By norma stewart -- Enjoyed reading this book and loved the fact that Shae

Carmen kept her strong belief in God. Even though Maxwell was handsome with a professional career in baseball didn't take presence over what she strongly believed in. Although an attractive lady she did not put herself on a pedestal. By being steadfast and unmovable she received the love she had been longing for.

Shae is not interested in men. The last one not

only didn't tell her he was married, he also neglected to tell her he was getting back with his wife. She leaves her life behind to start over in St. Louis working as a TV news anchor/reporter. She's doing quite well, thank you, when a St. Louis Cardinals player meets her at the TV station. The man apparently doesn't understand the word no. He just won't stop trying to get her to go out with him. So it looks as if Rahn has her in the game at least for awhile. A scandal is erupting, and Shae isn't sure she can deal with it. It looks as if Rahn is going to strike out after all. Thank you, Ms Simmons. I enjoyed book one of The Carmen Sisters, and am looking forward to the next. I wish I had sisters like these sisters.

Awesome Book I just finished, "NO Easy Catch". WOW!! First time I finished a book in years. Can't wait to get her next book. She is such a prolific writer!

Source:

www.christianbook.com/no-easy-catch-carmen-sisters/pat-

simmons/9781629110097/pd/9110097

For more on Pat Simmons: www.patsimmons.com.


An Interview with Pat Simmons A Christian Writer's World ~~ Characters who grip your heart By Lena Nelson Dooley award-winning, multi-published Christian novelist and screeenwriter.

Welcome back, Pat. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon? Honestly, I dont know what Gods will is for my writing career, but whatever stories He leads me to write, I want to give my all. Tell us a little about your family. I have been married for more than 30 years, and we have a son with an unbelievable testimony and a daughter. Both are grown and gone. My husband spearheads my exhausting travel schedule. Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how? Yes, I dont read as much as I used to or would like. When I do, I dont have the luxury of taking my

time because I need to stay on deadline for my projects. Also, I try to read non-fiction books that will strengthen my understanding of my characters personal dilemmas. For example, I read His Needs, Her Needs when I was writing a story about infidelity. When I considered writing a Black historical romance, I read We Are Your Sisters that highlighted Black womens struggles and triumphs during and after slavery. The Warmth of Other Sons, which traces the migration of Blacks from the South I read for background research for another series. After eleven published novels and hundreds of reviews, praise God that no readers have complained that my characters lack development. What are you working on right now? I just finished In Defense of Love, Book 2 in the Carmen Sisters series. Ive just started my research for Book 3. Im also outlining my 3rd Christmas novella. Those stories seem to be a big hit with fans. What outside interests do you have? Genealogy, genealogy, genealogy. I also like to sew my clothes, so when I travel Im not wearing that same black or red dress in each picture. How do you choose your settings for each book? If an area within a city has historical significant, I like to explore that place as a backdrop for my characters and describe the surroundings to my readers. For example, St. Louis has several historical neighborhoods. In my next book, I take readers to South St. Louis to the LaSalle neighborhood and Lafayette Square. I did the same thing in my first novel in North St. Louis County and readers actually took the Old Ferguson tour. I was surprised that I had that type of influence. What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels? This world of make believable is actually a real business, and once I committed to being an author, I had to learn the business side, which is more important than the writing. What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now? That I may not achieve the status of New York Times bestselling author, but my work for Him is important and to continue doing what Im doing and He will bless me accordingly.


Versed in Christian Love TheVillageCelebration

Moviegoers turned out in droves over the weekend to see the much-anticipated Fifty Shades of

Grey based on the steamy book series. The books and movie generated enough heat in sales and at

the box office to make small countries envious. But, at what cost?

In religious circles there is some debate about the societal implications but rather than talk about the issue,

romance writers like Renee McCoy and Pat Simmons are literally rewriting the conversation. Their

novels offer romance seasoned with Christianity.

What I was getting was sex scenes in chapter one and sometimes on page one, Simmons says. I tried to skip over them, but the mention of a body part would pop up here and there. I began to write

Christian romances because I believed that I wasnt the only one who wanted a good love story without the lust.

And, Simmons was right. Eight years later, the former television news writer, has won three literary

awards and published several single titles and eBooks novellas, including the #1 Amazon bestseller

in God Word, A Christian Christmas.

God is good. What began as a hobby, the Lord turned it into a ministry, says Simmons. It may sound strange, but some people dont know how to live as practicing Christians. Simmons recalls that before she was saved, she attended church regularly but [I] would curse you out if you said the wrong thing to me.

Both Simmons and McCoy are strong Christians. They are wives and mothers keenly observant of the

search for love. McCoy fashions her characters from her lifethose she meets as well as those she has known all her life.

In some special way, they each shape the way that I craft a story whether it be romance, suspense, or contemporary Christian fiction, McCoy said. I may develop a story from a conversation by playing out a what if scenario, but mainly a piece of work is influenced and derived from the Scripture. There are so many pearls of wisdom from the Holy Bible that I cant help but draw from the Book God has left for us to live by.

McCoy also written for the world-renowned pocket devotional, The Upper Room. She believes Christians

need the encouragement found in reading the Word each day.

I believe it is very important on many levels, McCoy said. Fiction novels that focus on Christian living provide a form of entertainment that is clean, positive, and inspiring. Non-fiction books that focus on the

same deliver real-life examples for those who are looking for someone who may have experienced the

same struggles that they have.

She continued, In addition, it is imperative to educate our community in various areas such as politics, economics, history and health as it makes us well-informed individuals. Our choices are influenced by

what we know and often the environment in which we live. When we are educated, growth and maturity

follows.


McCoy released a new book in December titled Single, Saved & Searching. The book focuses on the

beautiful, intelligent, and single Elisha Maxwell who in the same week has received a wedding invitation

from both her last single best friend and her younger sister. She wonders when it will be her turn to get

married. Challenged by a string of disappointing relationships, Elisha is left feeling desperate and

confused about finding Mr. Right. Upon Elishas quest to change her single status, she finds something much more important along the way. She is faced with a choice: embrace the man of her dreams or

someone who appears to be her perfect match.

Simmons is known for the beloved Jamieson men in her Guilty series. Her new series features the Carmen sisters. Simmons most recent book is based on Shae Carmen, a young professional woman whose faith is tested after discovering her boyfriend is married and planning to reconcile with his

estranged wife.

The Christian romance genre accounts for a large segment of the fiction book sales. But, as recently as

2008, industry insiders were looking to add writers committed to Christian living themes. McCoy and

Simmons say they have their assignment.

Simmons points out that God helped believers understand through parables. Despite a persons walk in life, they all need God and encouragement. And thats what I try to [show] in my stories that no matter what youre up against, God is there. He knows and He cares.

McCoy says, I want readers to learn, or be reminded, that it is best to listen to God even when we may want to hear a different answer to our prayers. He knows best. Simmons wants readers to memorize Jude 1:24: Now unto him that is able to keep you from failing and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. The question is, Do you want to be kept?

Source: http://www.thevillagecelebration.com/versed-in-christian-love/

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